Samoa village council to appeal against compensation order

The village council of Tanugamanono in Samoa is to appeal against a Supreme Court ruling that it pay 450,000 US dollars in compensation to a family in the village.

The Lands and Titles Court ruled in the family's favour, saying several village chiefs and orators should pay the money after a council decision to banish them led to the destruction of the family's house, three cars and plantation.

The family was banished after going against the construction of a new church hall and home for the church minister, saying the construction had encroached on its land.

Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the village council disputes many aspects of Justice Slicer's ruling.

"They believe the ruling was not really on the Samoan traditions and the authorities of the village council, to make rulings against people in the village. I spoke to their lawyer this morning and she confirmed she's been instructed to prepare an appeal to file in court."